A number of MSPs have already indicated their intention to stand down at the Scottish Parliament elections in May 2016, including the Chair of the Rural Affairs and Climate Change Committee, Rob Gibson and Minister for Community Empowerment, Marco Biagi.

Tricia Marwick, the Presiding Officer; Margaret Burgess, the Housing Minister; and the former First Minister Alex Salmond have announced their departures next year.

The Conservatives Annabel Goldie (West of Scotland list) and Nanette Milne (North East list) have also recently announced their retirement from Holyrood.